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3.65 AVERAGE
3.65 AVERAGE
Just a bit of fluff but I really couldn’t buy into this one
3.25 stars
I was enjoying this story in the beginning until the Princess Faraine's family's deception. In the beginning it seemed as if King Vor had some type of attraction/curiosity towards Faraine but that immediately went out of the window when he met and chose her sister to be his bride. Although thoughts of Faraine weren't far from his thoughts he still proceeded to court and make his vows to Faraine's sister Princess Ilsevel.
I feel that Faraine should have spoken up instead of continuing with the deception of making King Vor think he was married to Ilsevel instead of a glamoured Faraine; but because she was shunned by her family; her father the king demanded that she played her part even though she didn't want to. She could have used the opportunity to explain to King Vor what tragedy befell Ilsevel and her other sisters instead of making him think he was with the woman of his choosing, who simply wasn't Princess Faraine.
This book had all of the makings of a romantasy, but I just couldn't get past the manipulation and deception. The feelings and vows King Vor was professing were to Ilsevel not Faraine; but Faraine is who he ended up married to due to deception and know we will have to go through the pain of reading about King Vor and his conflicting feeling about the situation and how he was deceived and how Faraine will need to accept the fact that King Vor was professing his love, desire for Ilsevel and not her; in hopes that he will one day forgive her for her deception and profess those same feelings for her.
No thank you. All of this drama is bringing more harm than good between the two realms. The point of the marriage to become allies and combine forces against a common enemy but now with this deception uncovered how can King Vor look past the deceitful alliance that he has fostered? Why would Fararine continue to do her family bidding knowing they loathe her and will never treat her s anything more than an inconvenience?
I was enjoying this story in the beginning until the Princess Faraine's family's deception. In the beginning it seemed as if King Vor had some type of attraction/curiosity towards Faraine but that immediately went out of the window when he met and chose her sister to be his bride. Although thoughts of Faraine weren't far from his thoughts he still proceeded to court and make his vows to Faraine's sister Princess Ilsevel.
I feel that Faraine should have spoken up instead of continuing with the deception of making King Vor think he was married to Ilsevel instead of a glamoured Faraine; but because she was shunned by her family; her father the king demanded that she played her part even though she didn't want to. She could have used the opportunity to explain to King Vor what tragedy befell Ilsevel and her other sisters instead of making him think he was with the woman of his choosing, who simply wasn't Princess Faraine.
This book had all of the makings of a romantasy, but I just couldn't get past the manipulation and deception. The feelings and vows King Vor was professing were to Ilsevel not Faraine; but Faraine is who he ended up married to due to deception and know we will have to go through the pain of reading about King Vor and his conflicting feeling about the situation and how he was deceived and how Faraine will need to accept the fact that King Vor was professing his love, desire for Ilsevel and not her; in hopes that he will one day forgive her for her deception and profess those same feelings for her.
No thank you. All of this drama is bringing more harm than good between the two realms. The point of the marriage to become allies and combine forces against a common enemy but now with this deception uncovered how can King Vor look past the deceitful alliance that he has fostered? Why would Fararine continue to do her family bidding knowing they loathe her and will never treat her s anything more than an inconvenience?
I almost abandoned the book around the halfway point.
Upon seeing that Faraine takes on her sister's identity and face to replace her as Vor's bride, I was really worried that they'd sleep together while he believed her to be her sister, which would be assault, and I did not think the story would acknowledge this or know how to handle it.
Thankfully, however, this did not happen, so I don't regret persisting in my reading. I think the inclusion of the identity swap worked okay without any ramifications that can't be overcome by the main characters in their romantic relationship.
Although Faraine and Vor were attracted to and pining for one another very quickly without a lot of substance, I did really appreciate that the two were not just mindlessly aroused and horny the entire book. Their focus was much more on other important things with only a few instances of carnal thoughts shared in the POVs. Hopefully the next book maintains them doing/thinking/caring about more than just thinking to themselves how badly they want to fuck.
I did notice some errors in the writing (like missing words), I found the book's refusal to talk about Fairaine's powers directly kind of annoying, and overall wasn't wowed by the book--it took me a few days to get through it because I wasn't super invested, but I did get though it and am interested in trying book #2.
A lot of what happens in this book is very much a build up of the plot and story without too much accomplished, so, it wasn't afraid to take its time and let things unfold. No break neck speed to force this installment to have something dramatic or shocking or sensual. I like that. I've often seen novels in a hurry to have a battle or dramatic reveal or sex scene when the plot was not ready for it and it ultimately harm the story and the reading experience.
Not much more to say about it, frankly, so we're at a like 3.5 on this installment. Didn't hate it, didn't love it, but it gets some extra points for avoiding a few aggravating pitfalls.
Upon seeing that Faraine takes on her sister's identity and face to replace her as Vor's bride, I was really worried that they'd sleep together while he believed her to be her sister, which would be assault, and I did not think the story would acknowledge this or know how to handle it.
Thankfully, however, this did not happen, so I don't regret persisting in my reading. I think the inclusion of the identity swap worked okay without any ramifications that can't be overcome by the main characters in their romantic relationship.
Although Faraine and Vor were attracted to and pining for one another very quickly without a lot of substance, I did really appreciate that the two were not just mindlessly aroused and horny the entire book. Their focus was much more on other important things with only a few instances of carnal thoughts shared in the POVs. Hopefully the next book maintains them doing/thinking/caring about more than just thinking to themselves how badly they want to fuck.
I did notice some errors in the writing (like missing words), I found the book's refusal to talk about Fairaine's powers directly kind of annoying, and overall wasn't wowed by the book--it took me a few days to get through it because I wasn't super invested, but I did get though it and am interested in trying book #2.
A lot of what happens in this book is very much a build up of the plot and story without too much accomplished, so, it wasn't afraid to take its time and let things unfold. No break neck speed to force this installment to have something dramatic or shocking or sensual. I like that. I've often seen novels in a hurry to have a battle or dramatic reveal or sex scene when the plot was not ready for it and it ultimately harm the story and the reading experience.
Not much more to say about it, frankly, so we're at a like 3.5 on this installment. Didn't hate it, didn't love it, but it gets some extra points for avoiding a few aggravating pitfalls.
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I bought this book partially as a joke, I think the “romantasy” table at a certain major book retailer is often filled with contrived “novels” that are often either plots written around the porn, or trying way too hard to be (gag) Sarah J. Maas, or some terrible mix of both. I did NOT expect to love this book so, so, so much.
There are definitely some issues—Faraine for one feels a little hollow, I would definitely like to see more of her character developed with the next book. Faraine is a character with crippling low self-esteem something I often loathe in a main female character, but I think Mercedes does this well—and gives reasoning with her background of exile combined with the allegorical chronic illness portrayed by her God’s Gift. I really adore her love for her sisters and the relationship she develops with one of them throughout. Before I delve into male characters I want to compliment Mercedes’ use of Captain Hael, she is such an interesting character to explore, I love her strong sense of duty paired alongside her sibling-like relationship with Vor, she is such a fantastic character—and I look forward to seeing her develop in the next book, as Mercedes promises that Hael will become a much more prominent character. Vor, is so much fun. I am such a snob about male love interests but my, god, FINALLY a character in a romance book that feels three-dimensional—his motivations lie outside of his potential love for Faraine—the lie with his duty as a King—and god, it is just so refreshing to see one of these narratives that treats this political aspect seriously. Of the two main characters Vor is certainly more developed, he has a rich inner world, fun relationships with the other cast members and clear motivations—you can understand that he cares for and wants to protect the underdark, you can sense his love for it—as opposed to Faraine who says she’s doing what she has to for the sake of Gavaria—but truthfully—she has no reason to, whatsoever. They exiled her! If anything she should be acting much more selfishly than she does throughout the book, and I would have liked to see more exploration of this concept, but I understand that the character might not necessarily be in that place yet in terms of where Mercedes would like her to be. Overall, even despite some of my issues with it, I highly HIGHLY recommend this book and I am eagerly awaiting the release of it’s sequel.
There are definitely some issues—Faraine for one feels a little hollow, I would definitely like to see more of her character developed with the next book. Faraine is a character with crippling low self-esteem something I often loathe in a main female character, but I think Mercedes does this well—and gives reasoning with her background of exile combined with the allegorical chronic illness portrayed by her God’s Gift. I really adore her love for her sisters and the relationship she develops with one of them throughout. Before I delve into male characters I want to compliment Mercedes’ use of Captain Hael, she is such an interesting character to explore, I love her strong sense of duty paired alongside her sibling-like relationship with Vor, she is such a fantastic character—and I look forward to seeing her develop in the next book, as Mercedes promises that Hael will become a much more prominent character. Vor, is so much fun. I am such a snob about male love interests but my, god, FINALLY a character in a romance book that feels three-dimensional—his motivations lie outside of his potential love for Faraine—the lie with his duty as a King—and god, it is just so refreshing to see one of these narratives that treats this political aspect seriously. Of the two main characters Vor is certainly more developed, he has a rich inner world, fun relationships with the other cast members and clear motivations—you can understand that he cares for and wants to protect the underdark, you can sense his love for it—as opposed to Faraine who says she’s doing what she has to for the sake of Gavaria—but truthfully—she has no reason to, whatsoever. They exiled her! If anything she should be acting much more selfishly than she does throughout the book, and I would have liked to see more exploration of this concept, but I understand that the character might not necessarily be in that place yet in terms of where Mercedes would like her to be. Overall, even despite some of my issues with it, I highly HIGHLY recommend this book and I am eagerly awaiting the release of it’s sequel.
emotional
fast-paced
This book was interesting. I enjoyed the world building, and getting to know the two main characters. I was a bit confused at the start of the book, but by 30% of the way I was into it.
I enjoyed some different elements in this story than other fantasy books. Although I have to admit I don’t understand why they were called “trolls” but were actually fae. I get the skin condition thing, but if they were really all that powerful you’d think you’d only call them a mean name behind their back (not to their face).
This story was quite angsty which had some good moments in the first half, but then little payoff in the second half. I found some parts of the story dragged on a bit. There were parts of the story that made sense, but also seemed random and I didn’t get it. Maybe I’d have to read on to do so (which I’m not planning to).
Thanks NetGalley, the author and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for honest review.
I enjoyed some different elements in this story than other fantasy books. Although I have to admit I don’t understand why they were called “trolls” but were actually fae. I get the skin condition thing, but if they were really all that powerful you’d think you’d only call them a mean name behind their back (not to their face).
This story was quite angsty which had some good moments in the first half, but then little payoff in the second half. I found some parts of the story dragged on a bit. There were parts of the story that made sense, but also seemed random and I didn’t get it. Maybe I’d have to read on to do so (which I’m not planning to).
Thanks NetGalley, the author and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for honest review.
I think TikTok was to "blame" for my discovery of the Bride of the Shadow King series. Socials can be deceiving and have led me before astray, but that was not the case with this book.
I enjoyed this book so much, it opened up a new fantasy world, something different and exciting, and then so much more. It gave political intrigues, kingdoms broken and about to be broken, hard decisions, forbidden loves, everything.
This is one of those series that won't leave my sight until I've devoured it completely <3
I enjoyed this book so much, it opened up a new fantasy world, something different and exciting, and then so much more. It gave political intrigues, kingdoms broken and about to be broken, hard decisions, forbidden loves, everything.
This is one of those series that won't leave my sight until I've devoured it completely <3
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Well thought out and beautifully put together story. The author obviously took the time to ensure that the worlds made sense. Nothing was necessarily throw in was unnecessary. Vor and Faraine are beautiful. I hope they are able to work out this betrayal and lack of interest in futures issues
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No